Finding Joy in the Simple Things: A Visit to an American Grocery Store

On Sunday July 17, we welcomed students from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to Portland, Maine for their 2-week Global Navigator Program sponsored by the Baltic-Amercian Freedom Foundation (BAFF). After unpacking and getting settled in, many of the students continued to request the same thing: a trip to an American grocery store.

As an American, I do not think twice about going to the grocery store. It is honestly more of a chore than something I enjoy. Grocery shopping with Baltic students, however, was most definitely not a chore: it was so much fun! 

Despite it being most of the students’ first visit to the US, they had heard a lot about the “giant” grocery stores in America with their endless options and never-ending aisles. Many were eager to try uniquely American snacks such as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Twinkies, or one of the many types of Oreo. 

Upon arriving at the store, the students were shocked at how large it was. They quickly tracked down their desired snacks, asking their American leaders for recommendations along the way. Seeing them so excited for an activity I considered so normal was refreshing. Their joy over grocery shopping reminded me to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. 

The students have had a wonderful time thus far and are excited to continue discovering new things during their time in the US. As a Program Leader, I am excited to continue learning important life lessons from the students.